DURANGO, CO(ksut) -
HOST LEAD: A recall of dozens of human and pet food items that may possibly be contaiminated with botulism is being expanded by Colorado Health officials and the company involved. KSUT's Victor Locke reports:

VICTOR: The recalled items include hot dog chili sauces and pet foods, manufactured by the Castleberry Food Company of Augusta Georgia. The company is concerned the recalled products, which may contain botulism, may still be on Colorado Retail Grocery Store Shelves. The products are packaged under several private labels, including the Kroger brand, which is the parent company of City Market. So far, there have been no reports of illness in Colorado related to the products. But two children in Texas and a couple in Indiana became seriously ill after eating the products, requiring hospitalization. Anyone with the products should dispose of them, by double bagging them in plastic that's tightly closed and putting them in non recyclable trash outside your home. Castleberry's has set up a consumer hotline for assistance and questions. That number is 888-203-8446. You can view a complete list of the products being recalled and more information on our website at ksut.org, and by clicking on this story. From KSUT, I'm Victor Locke.

Daniel M. Rifkin, Wholesale Food Program manager with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Consumer Protection Division, said symptoms of botulism poisoning can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc.

He said, "Botulism poisoning can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless assistance with breathing, such as mechanical ventilation, is provided. Individuals who show any symptoms after having eaten any recalled Castleberry's products should seek immediate medical attention."

PROPER DISPOSAL OF RECALLED PRODUCTS

When disposing of the canned products, Rifkin advised consumers to double bag cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed and place them in a trash receptacle for nonrecyclable trash outside of the home. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm .

To date, there are no reports of illness in Colorado associated with the recalled products. However, two children in Texas and an Indiana couple became seriously ill after eating these products and were hospitalized.

Castleberry's advised consumers with any questions or concerns about this recall to contact their consumer hotline at 1-888-203-8446.